This page lists the known charity and sporting events on the SDW, for those people who might want to join an event (or avoid one!). Many of these are annual events. For details, just click on the event you are interested in. Please note that the SDW team does NOT organise any of these events and this list may not be exhaustive - for details such as accurate start/finish times and entry forms please contact the organisers direct.
Organisers of events, please let the SDW Trail Officer know what you're planning and when so that clashes can be avoided. Please also read the South Downs Way events guidelines document which you can download here, this will give you advice in organising a safe event and help prevent you from running in to trouble. Thank you. You can contact the South Downs Way officer at sdw@southdowns.gov.uk
- South Downs Way Challenge 13 Start: 23 February 2013 | End: 23 February 2013 http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/event.asp?PageId=10&EventId=23 Help the British Heart Foundation raise vital funds by joining their hike and run along the South Downs Way.
- Southern Rough Ride Start: 3 March 2013 | End: 3 March 2013 http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/event.asp?PageId=10&EventId=91 The first ride in the 2013 Wiggle Super Series. Starting in Storrington and heading up on the Downs between Amberley, Arundel and Steyning.
- Steyning Stinger Marathon Start: 3 March 2013 | End: 3 March 2013 http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/event.asp?PageId=10&EventId=14 Full and half Marathons from Steyning on to the South Downs including some of the South Downs Way. Very tough!
- Southern Trail Ride Start: 10 March 2013 | End: 10 March 2013 http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/event.asp?PageId=10&EventId=99 A truly huge ride! Ride this amazing South Downs course! Mix it up on the superb Sussex lanes, tracks and trails, and take on stretches of the infamous South Downs Way! Expect big climbs, magnificent views and an all round incredible day out on your bike! 80, 60 or 40km course options.
- South Downs Way in Stages Start: 6 April 2013 | End: 7 July 2013 http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/event.asp?PageId=10&EventId=78 With the support of walking company Per-Rambulations you can tackle the South Downs Way in stages over 4 weekends from April - July.
- South Downs Ride - Endurance GB Start: 7 April 2013 | End: 7 April 2013 http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/event.asp?PageId=10&EventId=75 Long distance horse ride organised by Endurance GB starting at Findon.
- A Downs Dash (Part 1) Start: 4 May 2013 | End: 5 May 2013 http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/event.asp?PageId=10&EventId=20 The opportunity to take part in a led walk over 40 miles of the SDW whilst raising money for Dreams Come True
- Just Walk 2013 Start: 11 May 2013 | End: 11 May 2013 http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/event.asp?PageId=10&EventId=7 Raise funds for any charity of your choice by taking part in either the Just Walk 20km, 40km, or the BIG 60km routes. All routes are circular and start and finish from Goodwood Racecourse near Chichester incorporating the South Downs Way.
- A Downs Dash (Part 2) Start: 14 May 2013 | End: 15 May 2013 http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/event.asp?PageId=10&EventId=22 The opportunity to take part in a led walk over 40 miles of the SDW whilst raising money for Dreams Come True
- The Argus South Downs Way Challenge Start: 17 May 2013 - 7:00am | End: 19 May 2013 - 5:00pm http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/event.asp?PageId=10&EventId=3 A unique opportunity to cycle the entire South Downs Way, with support whilst raising money for the Argus Appeal.
- South Downs Trekathon Start: 18 May 2013 | End: 18 May 2013 http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/event.asp?PageId=10&EventId=86 Take part in Discover Adventure's South Downs Trekathon. 26 miles from Lewes to Beachy Head and raise money for the charity of your choice.
- Plumpton Pleasure Ride - Endurance GB Start: 19 May 2013 | End: 19 May 2013 http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/event.asp?PageId=10&EventId=17 Endurance Horse Ride in the Plumpton area taking in some of the South Downs Way.
- Seven Sisters South Downs Walk Start: 25 May 2013 | End: 25 May 2013 http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/event.asp?PageId=10&EventId=74 Take part in the Fire Services organised challenge walk in the beautiful Eastbourne Downs. With 25, 15 or 8.5 mile routes to choose from.
- PhotoPLOD Midnight Challenge Start: 31 May 2013 | End: 1 June 2013 http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/event.asp?PageId=10&EventId=26 Focus On Imaging midnight sponsored walk for the Wooldland Trust over 40 miles of the South Downs Way.
- South Downs Way Relay Start: 1 June 2013 | End: 1 June 2013 http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/event.asp?PageId=10&EventId=80 An annual running relay event. This event is by invertation only. Expect about 50 teams of 6 runners.
- 34th Annual South Downs Way Walk Start: 7 June 2013 | End: 15 June 2013 http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/event.asp?PageId=10&EventId=83 A traditional 9 day walk along the whole of the South Downs Way from Eastbourne to Winchester suitable for all the family. Based on daily coach pickups from a choice of places in West Sussex with return coach in the afternoon.
- South Downs Marathon and Relay (half marathon & ma Start: 8 June 2013 | End: 8 June 2013 http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/event.asp?PageId=10&EventId=11 A marathon, half marathon and relay marathon - about 450 people taking part, along the South Downs Way from Slindon College to Queen Elizabeth Country Park near Petersfield